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The Boys In The Boat by Daniel James Brown (Non-fiction)

This is a story about nine working class boys, brought up in the time of the Great Depression. The boys, coming out of Washington State's many small towns, became the best nine men rowing team in history. Due to their speed, grace, and teamwork, they achieved the unachievable. Each of these boys came from meager circumstances but were able, with their grades and sport scholarships, to make their way to the University of Washington in Seattle. This story is told by Joe Rantz, a member of that team and a man from a hard background and capable of herculean feats, who made his way to University of Washington after being taken in by his older brother because his father and stepmother abandoned him on their farm at age fourteen. This book outlines the story of him finding himself, with eight other boys, inside a sleek rowing boat, moving with speed and grace. This incredible team would win the 1936 nine men rowing competition at the Olympics, denying the Nazi’s the complete set of rowing victories, persevering against the best each country had to offer. It is an incredible story of perseverance and strength, with many hardships and turns only life can give you. It is a book worthy of the feats written in its pages.

I recommend this book for anybody who would enjoy an inspiring true story that makes you truly feel for the characters. This book is great for all readers, however you should have a more adult mindset towards it, as some of the concepts are a little profound for kids. This book makes you feel in the moment, as if you are beside the boys as they push their boat to the limits. This book also sets the scene perfectly, switching to a character that might not be seen for a while. This book is excellent about showing you the entire picture, with quotes and sayings from many of the men embedded in its covers. This book also does an incredible job of setting the scene and making the people inside spring to life in front of you. Its setting detail is excellent, you often feel as if you are there beside The Boys In The Boat. 

Reviewed by Will U., 9th

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